The story behind Rani Pokhari is one for the romantics. Built in 1670 by King Pratap Malla, the pond was a gesture of love for his grieving queen. After their son passed away, the queen was inconsolable. So, in what can only be described as the 17th-century version of a grand romantic gesture, the king ordered this entire pond to be constructed just to ease her sorrow. Not only that, water from sacred rivers all over Nepal was brought in to make the pond spiritually significant.
At the center of the pond sits a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, reachable by a picturesque bridge that seems to float above the water. The temple itself is an architectural blend of pagoda and Shikhara styles. Fun fact: the site is only open to the public once a year during Bhai Tika, when brothers and sisters come together to celebrate their bond. On that day, Rani Pokhari turns into a lively hub, full of color, rituals, and laughter.Over the years, Rani Pokhari has been through its fair share of ups and downs, much like Kathmandu itself. After the 2015 earthquake, the site fell into disrepair, but its recent renovation has restored much of its original beauty. Surrounded by the city’s madness, it feels like a little slice of calm, an escape that’s just as relevant today as it was centuries ago.
So, next time you’re stuck in the traffic nightmare of Kathmandu, take a moment to glance over at Rani Pokhari. Think about the love and history that built it, and maybe let it remind you that even in the noisiest corners of life, there’s always room for something beautiful and timeless!
Photo Credit-Shrish Shrestha,teakearth.com,nepaltourismhub.com
